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Friday, November 1, 2013

POPLARVILLE - Students in Lourie Barnett’s microprocessor class just looked like they were playing with toys. In reality, they were demonstrating how robots they made in class could get out of the way of an obstruction or follow an obstacle course. “It operates via sensors like the remote on your tv,” Barnett said. The microprocessor course is part of the electronics technology program that prepares students for jobs in a variety of industries. “I just retired from the Army and I want to go offshore,” said student David Lee of Purvis. The students used kits to build the robots with servos that make the wheels turn, sensors and motors. Then they use computers to program them. “Last year, we did the basic microprocessor kit,” Barnett said. “This year, we souped it up with the robots.” The students used 70 to 80 programs. Students who complete the electronics technology program earn an associate in applied science degree. The program is taught in block format - a course meets all day for two weeks with a two-week break before the next course begins. For more information contact, Barnett at 601 403-1109 or at lbarnett@prcc.edu.

Pearl River Community College electronics technology student James Prater of Picayune uses a broom to demonstrate how a robot he built in microprocessor class will turn away from objects in its path.PRCC Public Relations photo

A microprocessor robot built by a student in the Pearl River Community College electronics technology program follows a circular obstacle course.PRCC Public Relations photo

POPLARVILLE - Almost two dozen alumni return to Pearl River Community College Sunday to perform with the Pearl River County Community Band and Chorus. The band and chorus will reprise Our America, a patriotic concert, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Brownstone Center for the Arts on the PRCC campus. There is no admission fee. Pearl River Community College’s Brownstone Center for the Arts is excited to host the Pearl River County Community Band and Chorus for their first performance in Poplarville,” said Archie Rawls, PRCC fine arts chair and Brownstone Center director. “Their program of patriotic music will be a wonderful tribute to our nation and to all our military veterans on the eve of Veteran’s Day 2013. “Thanks to Mr. Johnny Baker and Mrs. Linda Hancock, directors of the band and chorus, for their help in making this concert possible for our community.” Alumni in the band include Allison Fornea, Sherri Hutchison, Joy Broom, Robert Woodyard, Lydia Jelinski, Gary Rushing, Ronnie Rawls, Andrew Heaton, David Morris, Kathy Koss and Yancy Wise. Chorus members who attended PRCC include Darlene Ashe, Velma Henly, Lisa Lott, Sandra Stockstill, Billy Sheffield, Billy Walley, Percy Folks and Ernie Lovell, PRCC Development Foundation director. Band member Betty Kelly is a PRCC adjunct Spanish instructor, and chorus member Jennifer St. John is an adjunct English instructor. The program will include well-known favorites such as The Stars and Stripes Forever, God Bless America and America the Beautiful along with other selections. In addition to PRCC, sponsors for the free concert are Holliday Real Estate, Poplarville Insurance, Wells Insurance LLC and Williams Financial Group.